Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, María Corina Machado, was officially received on Friday by King Harald V, Queen Sonja of Norway, and Crown Prince Haakon at the Royal Palace in Oslo. The meeting is part of the agenda Machado is carrying out in the Norwegian capital, where she has been honored for her efforts toward a peaceful and democratic transition in Venezuela.
Following the Nobel award ceremony, which she could not attend due to difficulties leaving Venezuela, Machado arrived in Oslo at dawn, where she was greeted with cheers by Venezuelan supporters gathered outside the Grand Hotel. She later returned to the hotel accompanied by members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee before attending her audience with the royal family.
During her visit, Machado also inaugurated an exhibition at the Nobel Peace Center, highlighting her career and the Venezuelan democratic movement, reflecting her commitment to human rights and justice.
Why is this audience with the Norwegian royal family significant?
The reception by the kings and the crown prince represents strong international support for Venezuela’s democratic cause. It increases global visibility for the country’s demands for freedom and justice, reinforcing the diplomatic momentum surrounding Machado since being awarded the Nobel Prize.